China in Weibo crackdown after Sun Yingsha fans attack Chen Meng for winning Olympic gold

Chinese social media platform Weibo has banned more than 300 accounts for “inciting conflict” after users expressed their dismay at Chen Meng’s victory over compatriot Sun Yingsha in the women’s table tennis final in Paris on Saturday.

Chen beat Sun 4-2 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles to retain her Olympic title, in a final that was a repeat of the one played in Tokyo three years ago.

While Sun is a national hero in China, despite Chen holding three Olympic gold medals, Chen divides opinion and that was evident online and in the stands during Saturday’s match.

While Sun was cheered to the rafters during the game, Chen was sometimes booed and subject to abuse online.

“During the game, the irrational viewing behaviour of some viewers caused controversy online,” Weibo said in an official announcement on the platform.

“Some users took advantage of this to spread malicious speculation, incite conflict and even published irrational remarks attacking athletes and coaching staff members.”